Pookie Varisiri, the human behind viral feline Nala the Cat and the cat food brand Love, Nala, walks us through what daily wellness looks like for her famously photogenic rescue.
What does a typical day look like for Nala?
Nala’s days are pretty much a dream if you’re a cat. She wakes up, demands breakfast on her schedule (not mine), does a full patrol of the house, squeezes in several strategic naps, and somehow still has energy to supervise everything I do. In between, she’s taste-testing new Love, Nala recipes and generally running the show. She takes her role as CEO very seriously.
What are the key pillars of Nala’s overall health and wellness routine?
We focus on nutrition, hydration, and enrichment. Good food is the foundation, and what goes into your cat’s bowl matters more than most people realize. Hydration is huge, especially for cats who tend to be low-volume drinkers by nature. Mental and physical stimulation keep Nala sharp and happy. Consistency is key, and it makes a real difference.
What should cat owners look for when choosing food for their cats?
Real ingredients, quality protein, and something your cat will actually enjoy. It sounds obvious, but a lot of people buy what looks good to them rather than what’s right for their cat. Look for named protein sources, no fillers, and ideally some moisture content to support hydration. Don’t be afraid to try a few things! Cats can be opinionated, and finding the right food that will help them thrive is worth the effort.
What role does hydration play in a cat’s overall wellness?
Hydration is one of the biggest factors in long-term cat health, and it’s one of the easiest things to overlook. Cats aren’t big drinkers by instinct, so relying on a dry food diet and a water bowl often isn’t enough. At Love, Nala, Nala actually helps develop our recipes, and a lot of them are packed with gravy specifically because getting moisture into the meal is one of the most effective ways to support hydration. And cats love it!
What do pet parents often overlook when choosing litter?
Dust. Most people look at price, scent, and clumping ability (which all matter), but the dust level is something that affects both the cat and the person cleaning the box. Fine-particle litters can irritate a cat’s respiratory system over time, especially if they’re already sensitive. It’s worth looking for low-dust formulas and paying attention to how your cat reacts after they use the box. We recently switched to Tofu Litter by Dofu Cat. It has absolutely no dust, and it was so easy to switch!
What are some easy ways cat parents can enrich their cat’s environment to keep them mentally stimulated and engaged?
Give them somewhere to climb, something to scratch, and something to hunt. Cat trees, window perches, puzzle feeders, and regular interactive play cover a lot of ground. The other thing people underestimate is routine. Cats are creatures of habit, and knowing when to expect playtime and meals actually reduces stress and keeps them engaged. Even 10 minutes of intentional play a day adds up. This will even help reduce the 2 a.m. zoomies that wake you up.
What message do you hope Nala’s platform sends to cat owners around the world?
The cat-human bond is something really special, and it’s worth investing in. Nala has always “just been a cat who is deeply loved, and that love turned into a community, a brand, and a mission to help other cats live better lives. If people walk away feeling more informed, more connected to their cats, and a little more confident in the choices they’re making for them, that’s everything.
